New Zealand Parole Board -

Parole Hearing

Under section 21(2) of the Parole Act 2002

Michael Edwin DEBRECENY

Hearing: 11 December 2018

at Rimutaka Prison

Members of the Board:

• Ms T Williams Blyth – Panel Convenor
• Mr G Crowley
• Mr C King

Counsel:

• Ms J Fyfe

Support Persons:

• [withheld]

DECISION OF THE BOARD

1. Michael Debreceny (52) appears for consideration of parole.  He is serving a nine-year six-month sentence for importing methamphetamine.
2. Mr Debreceny has some history of previous offending.  His previous convictions include burglary, excess breath alcohol, theft, possession of cannabis and possession of equipment for cannabis.
3. In the prison setting he has a RoC*RoI of .10953, a prison security classification of minimum and a statutory release date of 22 December 2024.  There is approximately six years remaining on his sentence.
4. When he appeared in August 2018 the Board considered that he had minimised his role in the offending.  Mr Debreceny did not seek parole.  The need to strengthen his safety plan was discussed.
5. The parole assessment report confirms and there have been no issues in the prison setting.  A reintegration hui was held on 31 October 2018.  Mr Debreceny shared his strengthened safety plan with his support people.
6. At the outset of the hearing counsel made submissions in support of release.  Counsel highlighted Mr Debreceny’s acknowledgement of his offending, the reintegration hui that took place and his release plan.
7. Mr Debreceny accepted that he is guilty as charged, but disagrees with the judge’s comments that he was aware that he was involved in importing a significant quantity of methamphetamine.  He says that initially he did not know what was contained in the package and when he did learn the contents, he did not withdraw from the transaction.
8. One of the issues for Mr Debreceny is that he always made himself available to help others.  The Board discussed and suggested that he may want to reconsider being so helpful to others in the future.  Mr Debreceny said that he needs to learn to value other people and not think that he has to do everything himself.
9. [withheld], who is providing both accommodation and a job, attended today's hearing.  He does not know Mr Debreceny well but in the past Mr Debreceny has helped his daughter (when she has had difficulties with her car).  He decided to return the favour.  [withheld] has previously supported an offender released from prison.  That had gone well and the person did not reoffend.  In addition, this arrangement is not a one-way street.  Mr Debreceny will be working for [withheld] and helping him out in his business.
10. The Principal Corrections Officer (PCO) confirmed that there have been no issues in the prison setting.  Mr Debreceny is quiet and doing well.
11. Having considered the information before the Board and the discussions had with Mr Debreceny, [withheld] and the PCO, the Board is satisfied that Mr Debreceny no longer poses an undue risk to the community and any residual risk can be managed with special conditions.
12. In the circumstances, Mr Debreceny will be released on parole on [withheld] January 2019.  He will be subject to special conditions for two years.  The remaining standard conditions will remain in place until his statutory release date.
13. The special conditions are as follows.

    (1) To obtain written approval from your Probation Officer prior to starting, terminating or changing your position or place of employment

    (2) Not to communicate or associate with your co-offenders, Mr Kevin Kakada Chea, Mr Kien Trung Dao, or Ms Abby Rae Cummins, unless you have the prior written consent of your Probation Officer.

    (3) If directed, to attend an assessment for an alcohol and drug use treatment programme. To attend and complete an appropriate alcohol and drug use treatment programme if and as recommended by the assessment to the satisfaction of your Probation Officer and programme provider. Details of the appropriate programme to be

    (4) Not to possess, use, or consume alcohol, controlled drugs or psychoactive substances except controlled drugs prescribed for you by a health professional.

    (5) To reside at [withheld] or any other address approved in writing by a probation officer, and not move from that address unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer.

    (6) For 3 months from your release, to be at your approved address between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am daily unless you have the prior written approval of a probation officer.